Male circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin.
The foreskin is the retractable fold of skin that covers the end of the penis. It's a continuation of the skin that covers the whole penis.
You might need a circumcision for medical reasons.
We have a separate guide to circumcision in boys.
Medical reasons
You may be advised to have circumcision for a medical reason.
Circumcision is sometimes considered a treatment option for some conditions. This is usually when other treatments have not worked.
Some of the conditions that may require circumcision include:
- tight foreskin (phimosis)
- paraphimosis
- recurrent balanitis
- balanitis xerotica obliterans
Circumcision - the procedure
Circumcision is usually done by a specialist in a hospital. Most people do not have to stay in hospital overnight.
Before having a circumcision
You will fast (not eat) for 6 hours before surgery.
You will be asked to sign a consent form to confirm you agree to the surgery.
You'll usually be given a full general anaesthetic. This means you'll be unconscious throughout the procedure. It is also possible to perform circumcision under local anaesthesia.
During a circumcision
The surgeon removes the foreskin behind the head of the penis using a sharp surgical instrument such as a scalpel or surgical scissors.
Any bleeding can be stopped using heat treatment (cauterised) or stitches. The remaining edges of skin are then stitched together using dissolvable stitches.
After a circumcision
You may have some discomfort and swelling around the head of your penis for a few days after the procedure.
Your care team will give you pain medicine, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. They may also prescribe antibiotics.
They will also give you a phone number to call if you have any problems. They will tell you when your follow-up appointment is. This may be at the hospital or with your GP.
They will give you advice on wound care, including dressings, bathing and going to the toilet. You should not feel any pain or discomfort while peeing. Contact your medical team if you do.
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if you have:
- a temperature
- increased redness
- bleeding
- persistent pain
- throbbing of your penis
- pain or discomfort while peeing
Any of these could be a sign of infection.
Apply Vaseline around the tip of your penis. This will stop it sticking to your underwear.
Wear light, loose-fitting clothing for 2 or 3 days to avoid irritation.
Sex
It usually takes at least 10 days for your penis to heal after circumcision. You should avoid having sex for at least 4 weeks after your procedure.
Driving
You need to make sure that you are fit to drive after having surgery.
If you have a general anaesthetic, you will not be safe to drive for 24 hours or more. You will need someone to pick you up from the hospital.
Risks of a circumcision
Complications after circumcisions carried out for medical reasons are rare. Most men do not experience any problems.
Apart from the initial swelling, bleeding and infection are the most common problems.
Other complications of circumcision may include:
- permanent reduction in sensation in the head of the penis, particularly during sex
- tenderness around the scar
- stitches that did not dissolve
occasionally, another procedure is needed to remove some more skin from around the head of the penis
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
